Containment reinforced flywheel

Abstract

An inertial energy storage rotor having a reinforcement harness encompassing its outer circumference and sides, and having improved adjustable tensioning spoke elements extending from said harness and attaches to flywheel hub. The adjustable tensioning spokes allow the harness to be evenly torqued around the perimeter and sides of the rotor to provide additional reinforcement allowing the rotor to withstand centrifugal forces higher than otherwise able.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An internal energy storage rotor including a central hub, the storage rotor comprising:
 (a) an outer harness ( 1 ) which encompasses the entire outer circumference and sides of said rotor ( 5 ); 
 (b) a plurality of straps ( 2 ) distributed from both sides of said harness; 
 (c) a plurality of adjustable tensioners ( 3 ) connecting said straps to a central hub ( 4 ); 
 (d) the outer harness, straps and adjustable tensioners are each made from a material selected from a group consisting of sheet metal, stainless steel, titanium, or polymeric material; 
 whereby adjustable tensioners allow outer harness to be evenly torqued from hub to outer perimeter of rotor. 
 
     
     
       2. A method of constructing a flywheel comprising:
 (a) providing an outer harness ( 1 ) which encompasses the entire outer circumference and sides of a rotor ( 5 ); 
 (b) providing a plurality of straps ( 2 ) distributed from both sides of said harness; 
 (c) providing a plurality of adjustable tensioners ( 3 ) connecting said straps to a central hub ( 4 ); 
 (d) the outer harness, straps and adjustable tensioners are each made from a material selected from a group consisting of sheet metal, stainless steel, titanium, or polymeric material; 
 
       whereby adjustable tensioners allow outer harness to be evenly torqued from hub to outer perimeter of rotor.